InfoSkills voor Rechtswetenschappen

How the source fits your needs 

Not all information about your topic will be relevant to your needs. The information must be useful. To determine if it is, ask:

• Is the information relevant to your topic or does it address your assignment or research question?
• Does the information help you understand your topic better?
• Who is the target audience?
  Identifying whether the content is meant for experts, students, or the general public helps assess its complexity and bias.
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e., not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you reviewed multiple sources before deciding to use this one?
  Comparing different sources helps ensure that the information you choose is credible, relevant, and provides a comprehensive view of the topic.

The origin of the source

When discussing authority, we are referring to the author. Understanding who wrote and published the information helps determine whether it is credible and unbiased.

• Who is the author, book publisher, magazine or journal publisher, or (if the source is a website) sponsor?
• What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  If the author works at a university or research institute, you may be looking at a scholarly source. Be sure to check if the source also has the other characteristics of scholarly sources discussed earlier in this module.
• Does the author have the expertise to write about this topic? Check the author’s background—look for their education, job title, experience, or previous work on the topic.
• Is contact information provided, like an email address?
• Does the URL provide any clues about the author or the source? 
  Websites with .edu and .gov domains are generally reliable.
  • .edu (used by educational institutions)
  • .gov (used by US government bodies)
  • .com (these sites are commercial and may prioritize selling over accuracy)
  • .org (these sites are often nonprofit organizations, which can be trustworthy but vary in bias)

Important To help answer the Authority questions, check out a website's About Us page.

The reliability and correctness of the source

Since you’re probably not an expert on your research topic, it’s important to ensure that the claims made in your sources are accurate.

• What is the origin of the source?
• Is the information supported by evidence, and if so, does that evidence come from reliable sources? Always check the reference list, if available.
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  If that’s the case, you’re likely looking at a traditionally published book or a scholarly journal article. Be sure the source also meets the other criteria for scholarly sources discussed earlier in this module. 
• Can you cross-check the information with other sources?
  Never rely on just one source!
• Is the language or tone neutral and objective, without emotional bias?
• Are there any spelling, grammar, or typographical mistakes?

Why the source was created

Information can be shared to inform, persuade, entertain, or convince you to buy something. 

• What is the purpose of the source? 
• Do the authors or sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, or other biases?

Important To assist in answering these questions, it’s important to review the website's "About Us," "About," or "Who we are" section (if available). This section often offers valuable information about the site's mission, goals, and perspective, helping you better understand its purpose and potential biases.